The Crisis Beat
Brady Wood
Listen up, corporate North America! A crisis is the win-or-lose moment for every business, where one misstep can undo decades of goodwill. Where one wrong statement can end relationships and revenue.
The Crisis Beat Podcast is an exploration of the dynamic world of corporate crisis communications. Join us as we explore the corporate wins and losses in this arena, and dig deep into the best practices, tools, tactics, and tricks that business leaders need to know.
Join hosts Dr. Mark Crowther and Mr. Brady Wood as they dive into recent news making events, discussing what's done well and what's done terribly bad as corporate leaders in crisis face the world.
Dr. Mark Crowther is Chair of Medicine at McMaster University. Mr. Brady Wood is a consultant, business owner, and public relations professional. Together they work ...The Crisis Beat!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 The Crisis Beat Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Crisis Beat episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Crisis Beat for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Crisis Beat episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
EPISODE 25: Data Drama
The Crisis Beat
12/11/24 • 45 min
Episode 25: The Crisis Beat Podcast – October 20, 2024
Hosts Brady Wood (business owner and PR pro) and Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine at McMaster) are back to tackle the hot topic of cybersecurity and privacy. This episode dives into recent cyberattacks and the lessons we can learn from them.
News & Updates
Here’s what’s buzzing:
•Trump Assassination Attempt – An update on this shocking news.
•NASA Starliner – What’s the latest with this space project?
•Boeing’s Financial Woes – A rough patch for the aerospace giant.
•William Osler Hospital Incident – Apology issued after a Sikh man’s beard was shaved without consent.
•Pierre Poilievre & CTV – Another political moment worth noting.
Main Event: Cyberattack Case Studies
It’s been a wild month in the world of cybersecurity with some jaw-dropping breaches:
•Snowflake Breach
•Hacked by UNC5537; customer data, including Ticketmaster and Santander, exposed.
•CEO Frank Slootman is working with Mandiant to clean up the mess.
•Ticketmaster Breach
•A massive 560 million records leaked (linked to Snowflake).
•CEO Michael Rapino stepped up with credit monitoring for affected customers.
•AT&T Data Breach
•73 million customers’ details stolen.
•CEO John Stankey offered identity theft protection and reassured customers.
•CDK Global Ransomware Attack
•Thousands of car dealerships impacted.
•CEO Brian Krzanich focused on client communication and getting systems back online.
•Ascension Health System Ransomware Attack
•Emergency care disrupted at hospitals.
•CEO Joseph Impicciche prioritized patient safety while coordinating the response.
Leadership Lessons from the Breaches
Who handled these crises best? The hosts break it down:
•Snowflake: Frank Slootman went all-in on transparency.
•Ticketmaster: Michael Rapino led with quick action and customer care.
•AT&T: John Stankey stayed open and communicative.
•CDK Global: Brian Krzanich kept clients informed.
•Ascension Health: Joseph Impicciche focused on protecting patients.
Standout Star: Michael Rapino of Ticketmaster. His proactive crisis management and genuine focus on customers earned him top marks.
Key Takeaways
•Prevention is ideal, but how you respond to a breach can make or break your reputation.
•Strong communication and putting people first (customers, clients, patients) are what set leaders apart during a crisis.
Catch the full episode for all the details and insights!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 21: T-Rex Thought Experiment
The Crisis Beat
08/13/24 • 37 min
In the latest episode of Crisis Beat, hosts Brady Wood and Dr. Mark Crowther dive into a fascinating thought experiment that explores the idea of rebranding the Tyrannosaurus Rex’s public image. The episode begins with the hosts introducing themselves and giving shout-outs to their loyal listeners, setting a casual and engaging tone. They then quickly move through some breaking news stories, touching on topics like Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles, Elon Musk’s latest scientific feud, and the challenges facing Boeing’s new CEO. These updates serve as a warm-up to the main event, which is both unexpected and intriguing: how to reshape the public narrative of one of history’s most famous dinosaurs.
The heart of the episode is a creative exploration of how the T. Rex, typically seen as the ultimate predator, could be portrayed in a new light. Brady and Mark discuss how the T. Rex's image could be softened by focusing on its potential parental behaviors and ecological significance, moving away from its fearsome reputation. They propose a multifaceted strategy that includes educational campaigns, media partnerships, and interactive experiences to highlight these lesser-known aspects of the T. Rex. The idea is to shift public perception from seeing the T. Rex solely as a ruthless carnivore to appreciating its complex role in the prehistoric ecosystem.
To add depth to their discussion, the hosts also touch on Marshall Ganz’s framework for public narrative, explaining how storytelling can be used to inspire change. They break down the components of Ganz’s approach—Story of Self, Story of Us, and Story of Now—and discuss how these elements could be employed in rebranding efforts not just for the T. Rex, but for any entity facing a crisis in public perception. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a fresh perspective on how narratives are constructed and the power they hold in shaping public opinion.
Crisis Beat closes with Brady and Mark reflecting on the broader implications of their thought experiment, suggesting that the lessons learned from reimagining the T. Rex’s image could be applied to real-world public relations challenges. Their conversation is a reminder of the importance of narrative in defining how we understand the world around us, whether it’s the story of a prehistoric predator or a modern-day corporation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 20: Drake BBL Drizzy Recovery(?)
The Crisis Beat
07/27/24 • 44 min
Welcome to the latest compelling episode of Crisis Beat! Join hosts Brady Wood and Dr. Mark Crowther as they delve into the most recent and intriguing stories in crisis communications and public relations.
Hosts Introduction- Brady Wood: Business owner and public relations professional.
- Dr. Mark Crowther: Chair of Medicine at McMaster University.
Drake: A Global Superstar Under Fire
- Accomplishments: Drake is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold, numerous awards including five Grammys, and 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Feud Background: The beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back years, with Kendrick winning a Pulitzer for his album 'Damn'.
- Controversial Claims: Kendrick Lamar's songs accuse Drake of being a 'pedophile,' cultural appropriation, and colonization, with references to Drake's controversial friendship with Millie Bobby Brown and other concerning details.
- Current Struggles: Drake's personal and business life is under scrutiny, from security concerns to multiple company ventures and issues with corporate lobbying.
Airlines Under Fire
- Air Canada’s Cultural Insensitivity: Backlash for mishandling the traditional headdress of a Chief of the National Assembly of First Nations.
- Boeing’s Quality Control Issues: A door panel fell off an Alaskan Airlines flight, raising deeper concerns about Boeing's safety standards and the mysterious deaths of whistleblowers.
Corporate Apologies and Controversies
- Apple Apologizes: Addressing a misstep in their advertising campaign.
- Panera Bread: Phasing out their controversial caffeinated lemonade linked to two deaths.
- Bumble’s Advertising Blunder: Another company apologizing for a poorly received ad campaign.
Political Communications
- Kristi Noem’s Downfall: Analyzing why some political figures fail to maintain public trust despite bold, often false statements.
- RFK Jr.’s Shocking Admission: Revealing a parasitic worm ate part of his brain, sparking discussions on health and credibility.
Breaking News Briefs
- Harvard’s New Measures: Introducing checks and balances in public statements.
- Satire on Harvard’s New Comms Director: Highlighting the lighter side of serious institutions.
- In-Depth Analysis: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest crises in various high-profile sectors.
- Expert Commentary: Listen to expert breakdowns on how these entities are managing—or failing to manage—their public relations challenges.
- Engaging and Informative: Stay informed with engaging stories that offer both serious insights and lighter cultural notes.
- AND... learn more about Mark's love of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), in particular Deadmaus :)
Tune in now for an episode packed with drama, expert analysis, and the practical tools you need to navigate the complex world of crisis communications. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the latest high-stakes situations in business and public life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 18: Crisis Comms Jambalaya
The Crisis Beat
06/11/24 • 37 min
Welcome to the latest electrifying episode of Crisis Beat! This week, hosts Brady Wood and Dr. Mark Crowther dive deep into two of the most compelling stories in the world of public relations and business.
Featuring:Dr. Andrew Huberman: The Neuroscientist Under Fire
- Discover the story of Dr. Andrew Huberman, a renowned Stanford neuroscientist and wellness influencer.
- Unpack the allegations of dishonesty and personal controversy that have shaken his massive following.
- Get the inside scoop on how Huberman’s crisis management strategies might save or sink his public image.
- Explore the balance between personal integrity and professional credibility in today’s media landscape.
Canoo: The EV Company’s Turbulent Ride
- Delve into the financial rollercoaster of Canoo, the ambitious electric vehicle startup.
- Learn about the eyebrow-raising $1.7 million CEO spending spree on private jets, amidst staggering losses.
- Understand the challenges of the EV market slowdown and investor scrutiny.
- Hear expert analysis on what Canoo must do to turn the tide and win back investor confidence.
Air Canada: Discover why Air Canada has mysteriously disappeared from the headlines, possibly heeding advice from previous episodes.
Southwest Airlines: Get the latest on Southwest's emergency landing in Denver after an engine part fell off a Boeing 737, and what it means for airline safety.
Tesla: Understand the implications of Tesla eliminating its PR department and how CEO Elon Musk's social media communications are shaping the company's public image.
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:- Actionable Insights: Get practical tips on avoiding PR disasters from industry experts.
- Real-World Analysis: Understand how high-profile figures and companies manage—or mismanage—public crises.
- Engaging Stories: Dive into the human side of business controversies, from personal betrayals to corporate excess.
Tune in now for an episode packed with drama, insights, and the tools you need to navigate your own crisis communications! Don't miss out on this chance to learn from the high-stakes world of public relations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 22: The Secret Service Playbook
The Crisis Beat
08/28/24 • 44 min
Welcome to Crisis Beat, Episode 22, Hosts Brady Wood, a business owner and PR professional, and Dr. Mark Crowther, Chair of Medicine at McMaster University, are back together after Mark’s recent adventures.
Main Topic: The Secret Service in the Spotlight
The episode delves into the ongoing controversy surrounding the U.S. Secret Service, particularly focusing on the Senate hearings involving Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Key Events:
- July 13: A Trump rally in Pennsylvania saw an assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old. The Secret Service’s response, especially regarding the security of a building with a sloped roof, comes under intense scrutiny.
- July 22: Cheatle is subpoenaed to appear before the Senate. Key issues include her handling of the situation, the decision not to use a counter-sniper, and her statements about the sloped roof, which lacked clear policy support.
- July 23: Cheatle resigns amid growing criticism and calls for accountability.
- July 30: Acting Director Donald Rowe testifies, facing tough questions from Senator Josh Hawley about disciplinary actions and internal communication failures.
Breaking News Briefs:
- CrowdStrike Outage: Discussion on the recent widespread outage impacting critical systems, emphasizing the importance of proactive crisis management.
- Activist Targeting: Tips on how organizations can prepare for being targeted by activists.
- Food Recall Best Practices: Best practices for navigating recall communications.
Takeaways:
- Understanding and addressing issues in detail is crucial. If unsure, acknowledge it clearly.
- Accountability and transparency are key—avoid equivocation and be clear about processes and timelines.
- Leaders should demonstrate personal due diligence and make themselves available to address issues directly.
The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of clear communication and accountability in crisis situations, and the need for robust response strategies in both internal and external crises.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 8: The Question Concerning COVID-19
The Crisis Beat
06/19/23 • 49 min
In this episode, Brady and Mark explore the unique challenges and opportunities that COVID-19 has presented for public health communications following the World Health Organization's May 5th 2023 announcement that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency.
As the pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, effective situational crisis communications have never been more important. From providing clear and accurate information to demonstrating empathy and understanding, public health agencies and governments have faced a range of communication challenges in responding to the pandemic.
Looking at the crisis communications best practices that have been particularly relevant and effective in COVID-19 public health communications, we delve into topics such as transparency, consistency, empathy, two-way communication, flexibility, and collaboration, and examine real-world examples of how these practices have been applied in different contexts. Could Public Health Agencies done more to show evidence, convince the public and counter false claims about vaccines? What structural changes to media, to the flow of information, even to the WHO would be required to increase efficacy and trust?
Other topics covered this episode include:
Tucker Carlson's termination from Fox News (and Don Lemon's from CNN)
The Coronation of King Charles, and a continuation of our ongoing discussions about the Royal Family's communications in the wake of Prince Harry and Megan Markle's ‘revelations'.
Articles:
WHO Announces COVID Emergency over:
Ontario context:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/public-health-ontario-new-science-advisory-table-1.6570146
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07/24/23 • 49 min
EPISODE 9: RETRACTION ACTION
Join hosts Mark and Brady in Episode 9 of our podcast as they delve into the intriguing world of scientific retraction and academic fraud. The discussion begins with a recent incident involving a reprint of a Lancet article on 'long Covid,' which serves as a launchpad to explore famous cases of academic reprinting and fraud. The team also addresses the potential threats these instances pose to public confidence in science.
In this specific case, a crucial article defining long Covid faced data issues, leading to its retraction and republication by the esteemed journal Lancet. The authors displayed integrity by promptly notifying the editors and collaboratively working with the journal to clarify the situation in a unique manner.
References:
1. Retracted Lancet Article on Long Covid: [Link](https://retractionwatch.com/2023/06/13/highly-cited-lancet-long-covid-study-retracted-and-republished/)
The hosts go on to discuss three infamous cases of academic fraud, starting with Diederik Stapel, a Dutch social psychologist, who fabricated studies to cater to popular beliefs about human nature.
2. Diederik Stapel's Academic Fraud: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/magazine/diederik-stapels-audacious-academic-fraud.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)
The conversation then shifts to Jonathan Pruitt, a spider biologist at McMaster University, who falsified data, noteworthy as both Mark and Brady are faculty members at the same institution. #Spidergate
3. Jonathan Pruitt's Data Fabrication: [Link](https://www.science.org/content/article/university-investigation-found-prominent-spider-biologist-fabricated-falsified-data)
Lastly, the podcast touches upon Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, a disgraced stem cell scientist, who manipulated data in his research.
4. Dr. Hwang Woo Suk's Stem Cell Fraud: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/12/science/south-korea-scientist-contrite-for-stem-cell-fraud.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)
Amidst these intriguing discussions, the hosts also explore Hanlon's Razor, Gray's Corollary, and cognitive distortions, adding depth to the conversation.
ALSO: Duke Settles Doctored Data Lawsuit for $112.5 Million
[Link] (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910871?form=fpf)
AND:
Bonus: Crisis Beat co-host Mark Crowther's academic biography: [Link] (https://g.co/kgs/8HK69Q)
The episode then takes a wider perspective, delving into various news items with significant implications. They touch upon Canadian wildfires and the questioning of communication by Canadian officials, which affected air quality in New York City and the US.
5. Canadian Wildfires and Air Quality Impact: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/article/canada-wildfires-what-to-know.html)
Next, they discuss the Nicola Sturgeon scandal, wherein the former leader of the Scottish Nationalist party (SNP) retracted from the public eye. Subsequently, both she and her husband were arrested for financial irregularities in SNP money management, raising questions about their communications approach and potential outcomes and its impact on Scottish independence.
6. Nicola Sturgeon Scandal: [Link](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-65871857)
Shifting gears, the hosts analyze recent developments surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan, including court testimony, the cancellation of their Spotify deal, and its implications on their brand and ambitions.
7. Prince Harry and Meghan's Recent Communications: [Link1](https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/06/07/prince-harry-complains-again-this-time-in-court) [Link2](https://nypost.com/2023/06/18/meghan-markle-appears-downcast-in-first-sighting-since-spotify-split/)
Finally, the hosts recommend watching the 'Arnold' 3-part documentary on Netflix, which showcases a crisis communicatio...
EPISODE 5: Nothing to Declare - Airline(s) Meltdown - Southwest, Westjet, and Sunwing Holiday Failures
The Crisis Beat
02/23/23 • 46 min
In this Episode, Mark and Brady explore the Holiday Airline mayhem that gripped North America.
Discount Canadian Airlines Sunwing and Westjet stranded passengers and lost baggage. In the US, Southwest - an airline renowned for customer service, culture, and profitable performance - cancelled an enormous level of flights, and ultimately revealed major failings of underinvesting in communication technology.
In all cases these airlines failed on the front of following crisis communications best practices, with spotty and slow responses. The Southwest failure resonated so deeply that it featured in a lead sketch in a Saturday Night Live Sketch.
Tune in to hear what went wrong (and right) in terms of these corporate communications. Will these brands ever recover? How?
Also, check out these supporting articles if you want to dig a bit deeper:
SUNWING
WEST JET
SOUTHWEST
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/27/business/southwest-flights-canceled-travel.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/26/southwest-airlines-luv-earnings-q4-2022.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64362249
PEARSON
EPISODE 3: Sports Celebrity Crises - Part 1 - Tiger Woods
The Crisis Beat
11/23/22 • 43 min
Sports celebrity endorsements are worth big bucks and these deals are usually built on good character as well as the required incredible athletic performance. What happens when these public leaders don't live up to their image?
Mark and Brady do a deep dive on the impact of Tiger Woods' 2009/2010 sex scandal as the ultimate case study, with discussion of economic impact as well as best practices, missed opportunities, and salacious details.
By way of background, listeners can review these supporting documents that were discussed in the Episode (regarding the Academic Articles, they may appear behind a paywall):
- Timeline of Tiger Woods crises: https://www.biography.com/news/tiger-woods-sex-scandal-facts
- Tiger Woods worth $ 1 billion https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2022/06/10/tiger-woods-officially-a-billionaire-no-thanks-to-the-saudis/?sh=f6d3b07da03d
- Academic Article 1 Tiger Woods crisis cost to sponsors https://www.jstor.org/stable/42919517
- Academic Article 2 - https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsc/6/1/article-p87.xml
- Academic Article 3 https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3243.2018.3243
The gents also discuss Kanye West and Kyrie Irving's recent antisemitic remarks and the fallout, as well as sponsorship revenue declines at Twitter after Elon Musk's purchase and abrasive actions and messaging. They also revisit the latest news on the Rogers Telecommunications service failure and the impacts of the failures of their corporate crisis communications.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EPISODE 30: Hospital Crisis Communications
The Crisis Beat
05/14/25 • 55 min
Episode 30: Hospital Crisis Communications
Crisis Beat Podcast – February 9, 2025
Hosts: Brady Wood & Dr. Mark Crowther
In this episode, Brady Wood—PR professional and former hospital leader—and Dr. Mark Crowther, Chair of Medicine at McMaster, take listeners inside the high-stakes world of hospital crisis communications. Drawing from Brady’s firsthand experiences, they break down how hospitals manage public relations during emergencies, navigate sensitive messaging, and maintain public trust under pressure.
They also discussed multiple news story’s, such as the drama with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Megan Markle, plane malfunction at Pearson Airport, and much more.
Tune in for a compelling look at hospital PR strategies, crisis response, and real-world lessons from the front lines.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Crisis Beat have?
The Crisis Beat currently has 30 episodes available.
What topics does The Crisis Beat cover?
The podcast is about Crisis, Marketing, Management, Podcasts, Ceo and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Crisis Beat?
The episode title 'EPISODE 20: Drake BBL Drizzy Recovery(?)' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Crisis Beat?
The average episode length on The Crisis Beat is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Crisis Beat released?
Episodes of The Crisis Beat are typically released every 26 days.
When was the first episode of The Crisis Beat?
The first episode of The Crisis Beat was released on Sep 1, 2022.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ